A network of private companies linked to former police official Dmytro But and businessmen Yuriy Kravchenko and Ihor Terekhov has firmly established itself among the top suppliers of the Ukrainian defense sector, securing over UAH 500 million in state funds in 2023 alone. Despite a string of criminal proceedings, corporate feuds, and multi-million fines, the total volume of defense contracts held by these entities is currently estimated in the tens of billions of hryvnias, according to ownership structures and judicial registry data.
The core supplier network includes LLC «Prom-Techno Group,» SPC «Techimpex,» SPC «Zbroya,» and SPC «Imperium.» The operations of these legal entities have repeatedly drawn the attention of law enforcement agencies. Notably, «Prom-Techno Group» was previously fined nearly UAH 72 million by the State Export Control Service for violating contract terms with the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) regarding the delivery of 100 heavy machine guns.
Another key entity, SPC «Techimpex,» is currently entangled in a corporate dispute over control of the assets of LLC «VAC ‘Nova Tekhnolohiya'» (criminal case №12020110000001095 initiated in 2020). Furthermore, the company was previously implicated in a criminal case involving the illicit sale of 630 AKSM assault rifles belonging to the state-owned «Oshchadbank.»
The former police captain, Dmytro But, was previously investigated in criminal proceedings regarding alleged illicit enrichment and is known for his political ties to Hryhoriy Mamka, a member of parliament from the now-banned OPZZh party. However, recent network analyses reveal connections to much higher government offices.
Mykola Nesterenko is registered at But’s personal residential address in Kyiv (20 Mykhaila Drahomyrova St.). Nesterenko is the founder of «Grano Holding,» «Latifundist Media,» and «Agro Online»—companies where the former Minister for Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, was previously a co-owner. Kamyshin had earlier stated that upon entering public service, he transferred his business assets to Nesterenko’s management.
The connection to the defense supplier network is further reinforced through the former law enforcer’s family. Anna But co-founded LLC «Ukrprom Agro» alongside Andriy Babenko, who simultaneously serves as a business partner to Dmytro But and Yuriy Kravchenko in LLC «Prom-Techno Group.»
An analysis of the corporate vertical indicates that capital generated from military procurement is subsequently integrated into civilian sectors of the economy. Through Vitaliy Lielikov, the head of SPC «Techimpex,» and his partner Viktor Besaha, the corporate chain extends directly into the Kyiv real estate market.
According to available data, funds accumulated through state defense contracts are being funneled into commercial real estate and development projects in the capital via construction firms «Solbudinvest,» «Agora,» and CC «Renovatsiya-K,» all linked to Besaha.
Consequently, a highly resilient and diversified corporate group has emerged within the Ukrainian defense industry. The network successfully converts state defense orders into private assets and capital real estate, maintaining operations despite ongoing scrutiny from regulatory and law enforcement bodies.